Fern Carroll-Smith is in the second year of a foundation degree in horticulture at Bicton College, and in pioneering research has been using sheep wool in the production of cut flowers.

She has now won a scholarship of up to £1,000 from the David Colegrave Foundation, which supports students working towards a commercial career in horticulture.

Fern said: “I am completely delighted to have received a David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship will help me to pay for essential equipment for my trials as well as more general student equipment.

“Receiving the scholarship has also boosted my confidence in my work.

“In the future I hope to work in the field of commercial horticulture and horticulture technology, with the aim of reducing the environmental impacts of commercial plant production.”